Studio Robert Wu is the marbling and binding practice of designer bookbinder, marbling artist and stationer Robert Wu. Using a centuries-old process, he produces stunningly designed, luxurious leather-bound books; creates marbled paper and marbling art he calls “Marbled Graphics”™; and makes fine traditional stationery using die cutting and letterpress printing. He also offers antique book and paper restoration services.
Studio Robert Wu specializes in a particular kind of book binding, namely French-technique design binding and gilding, a process perfected over centuries in Paris, culminating during the French Art Nouveau/Art Deco period; miniature bindings are also a specialty of his. Accepting one-off and small-scale commissions, these highly sought after bindings often have a wait list of six months to two years. As part of his bookbinding practice he also creates boxes such as leather jewelry boxes or miniature treasure chests.
Robert Wu is one of the world’s leading marblers. Paper marbling is done by hand, one sheet at a time, creating unique one-of-a-kind designs — each sheet of paper its own original work of art!
(Photo credit: Top left, Dahlia Katz; all others Studio Robert Wu)
What we like about this studio
Studio Robert Wu’s book binding artistry results in stunning creations. Nothing can compare to the tactile quality, aroma or weight of a leather-bound book. His work breathes new life into old, worn volumes with fresh, vibrantly designed and masterfully assembled bindings – perhaps a cherished family keepsake or a favourite book in your library that needs mending. We especially love the covers he designed for first editions of Alice in Wonderland and The Elements of Euclid.
His marbled paper is breath-taking, each sheet of paper unique in its originality, beauty and vibrancy. And this is art that can be used by other artists (crafters, book binders, framers) and is cherished by paper collectors. Picture a collage, created with this kind of paper. Or, perhaps, an elegantly wrapped gift for someone special — or covering a custom notebook for your own writing, sketches and designs. We love how Studio Robert Wu’s marbled paper inspires endless creative possibilities! (Written by C.M.)
Ideas for where you can go from here:
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- Take a look at some of Studio Robert Wu’s bookbinding work.
- See examples of Studio Robert Wu’s paper marbling.
- Find out where you can see their binding and marbling work in person. You can find it, for example, at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at U of T in Toronto or at the Grolier Club in New York City.
- What project would you undertake with a gorgeous sheet of marbled paper?
We love paper marbling because we are inspired by these decorative papers that are handmade and one-of-a-kind. Using handmade papers that are one-of-a-kind allows you to appreciate objects that take time, effort & skill to make, in a time when most things are mass produced. Appreciating such objects is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring PAPER and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.
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